Dear Editor,
In South Africa food inflation at retail is still in double digit and it advanced to 12.1% year on year in May 2009.
Meanwhile, food prices in developed and some emerging markets countries are negative.
Clearly, there is uncompetitive behaviour taking place by the big four retailers (Pick 'n Pay, Spar, Shoprite and Woolworth).
Food at PPI has slowed sharply recording -1.1% year on year at agriculture, -6.2% at manufacturing in May 2009.
South Africans are battling with rampant unemployment and poverty. In the first quarter the numbers released by Statssa suggest 179 000 people lost their jobs and mining and manufacturing which are labour intensive and employ bulk of unskilled labour were hit the hardest.
These companies are stealing from South Africans, when commodity booms they enrich themselves and disadvantage the masses.
Similarly, when prices are falling they don't want to let go of fat bonuses and business class they travel with.
The competition commission must, on behalf of consumers, punish all those who violate competition acts.
Precious Majola
Get published on MyNews24 by sending your letter, story or column to us.
Send us your news photos
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
- News24
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.